A B cell subpopulation binds to macrophages: this binding can be disrupted by T cells.

We have investigated the macrophage-binding properties of normal murine B cells and found that only a defined subpopulation of B cells can bind to macrophages. This subpopulation corresponds to the Lyb3--positive subpopulation. A population of T cells exists that disrupts this macrophage-B cell interaction. These findings are discussed in light of the demonstrated dependence on macrophages of several Lyb3+ cell functions.